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Marcia Wallace dies, voice of 'Simpsons' Krabappel

The Associated Press

Updated:
10/27/2013 11:15:58 AM EDT

LOS ANGELES—Marcia Wallace, who was the voice of scoffing schoolteacher Edna Krabappel on "The Simpsons" and played wisecracking receptionist Carol on "The Bob Newhart Show" in the 1970s, has died. She was 70.

"Simpsons" executive producer Al Jean said in a statement Saturday that her "irreplaceable character"—who contended with Bart Simpson's constant antics—would be retired.

Jean said he was "tremendously saddened" when he found out about "the passing of the brilliant and gracious Marcia Wallace. She was beloved by all at The Simpsons."

Jean went on to say that her death was "a terrible loss for all who had the pleasure of knowing her."

The statement did not provide a date for her death, or a cause.

The longtime TV actress' credits also included appearances on Candice Bergen's "Murphy Brown" and roles on "Full House," "7th Heaven" and "The Young and the Restless."

On "The Simpsons," Wallace provided the voice for world-weary Edna Krabappel (cru-BOP'-pul), who smoked cigarettes, made sarcastic comments and finally found love in the arms of Simpson's neighbor Ned Flanders after fans voted online at the end of season 22 to keep the unlikely couple together.

Wallace's trademark "Ha!" punctuated Krabappel's frequent snide remarks, and her character was known for saying, "Do what I mean, not what I say."

Harry Shearer, the voice of Ned Flanders, said Wallace "brought this huge, positive energy" to her work.

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"She was just a warm and wonderful person," he told The Associated Press.